Chapter 45: The First Real Kiss

There was a huge emptiness in the room after Marcus's arrogant exit, and the air was heavy with unsaid words. Staring after the man as if he were willing to vanish into thin air, Andrew remained by the door with his hand still on the handle.

I remained motionless, my arms folded across my chest like a shield of unconsciousness, my mind crashing like a train wreck. Each syllable of Marcus's words pierced my determination like a needle as they replayed in my head.

Andrew turned a look of shame and something I couldn't quite identify casting a shadow across his face. It wasn't dread; rather, it was more vulnerable and profound. But I couldn't allow myself to become softer.

"Amelia—"

I interrupted him, sounding sharper than I meant to. "Don't." "Avoid making an excuse first. Tell me the truth, please.

His jaw tensed as though he were physically suppressing the words as he hesitated. "It's not as easy as Marcus claimed."